Introduction and some questions

[MaineShark]

Hi, I just bought an '87 GN and I'm trying to sort out some things...

The only things I actually need are a new muffler and a left outer tie rod end.

I figure I'm going to be upgrading much of the exhaust system, so for now I'm just going to get the cheapest muffler I can find that will fit.

I do need to know what people would recommend, as far as a good quality tie rod end.

Also, I'm expecting to do some modifications and have some 1/4-mile fun next spring, so I'd like to find out what people think I should do. From what I've read (here and elsewhere), as well as my own preferrences, here's my initial plan:

Scan tool (I'm not sure which one to get - I'd like to be able to datalog with a computer)

Transmission and oil coolers, and an external transmission filter (not really a "performance" mod, but I like improving reliability)

Alcohol injection

Valve springs

Blow-off valve

Asjustable wastegate of some sort (what's the best way to turn up the boost?)

That's my starting list. Any recommendations of things I missed, or things that might not be a good idea?

Thanks,
Joe

 

[salvageV6]

Moog and Perfect Circle both make a decent replacement tie rod end.

Upgrade the exhaust system if you need a muffler.

Hollow the cat. too if you can and don't have emissions crap to worry about.

 

[nickb]

Upgrade the fuel system with a Walbro 340 and hotwire kit before you start messing with boost, exhaust also needs to be upgraded, hooker makes the best bang for the buck kit, you can get it from summit. Check out the spring cleaning at gnttype.org

OH, and WELCOME!

Nick

 

[MaineShark]

Oops, yeah, forgot about the fuel pump.

I've heard that a number of people have had luck replacing the cat with a small racing muffler.

Joe

 

[salvageV6]

I prefer a 3" hollow cat. myself. Passes visual.

Pop on a 3" one for inspections to pass the sniffer.

 

[MaineShark]

Sniffer? What's that? Maine has some advantages...

Anyway, a few more exhaust questions:

If I upgrade the exhaust, what mufflers should I use? The GN is a daily driver, so it can't be too loud. I've been happy with DynoMax UltraFlo mufflers on other cars, but they don't seem to list an application for the GN.

Does anyone make a quality stainless exhaust?

What about header(s)?

Joe

 

[nickb]

ATR makes stainless sytems that are really nice, but louder than the hooker and more money.

 

[1badTTA]

Originally posted by MaineShark
Hi, I just bought an '87 GN and I'm trying to sort out some things...

The only things I actually need are a new muffler and a left outer tie rod end.

Tie rod has been covered as well as exhaust, but I will second the ATR recomendation, great quality and nice sound.

I figure I'm going to be upgrading much of the exhaust system, so for now I'm just going to get the cheapest muffler I can find that will fit.

I do need to know what people would recommend, as far as a good quality tie rod end.

Also, I'm expecting to do some modifications and have some 1/4-mile fun next spring, so I'd like to find out what people think I should do. From what I've read (here and elsewhere), as well as my own preferrences, here's my initial plan:

Scan tool (I'm not sure which one to get - I'd like to be able to datalog with a computer)

Direct scan or Turbolink are your choices for hooking up with a laptop, DS has a much faster refresh rate (18 frames per second) compared to T-Link (1fps) and both do a great job

Transmission and oil coolers, and an external transmission filter (not really a "performance" mod, but I like improving reliability)

Alcohol injection

Talk to Razor in the Alky Tech section, he has the most advanced and best (IMO) setup available.

Valve springs

Blow-off valve

Definately not needed with a stock turbo since you don't let off the gas when shifting, debatable with aftermarket larger turbos.

And do alot of reading over at GNTTYPE.org, most of your questions for the first 6 months will probably include a link to there somewhere in the answer. Also the search feature on this site is extremely usefull. (not flaming here, just trying to let you know what you will see for replys if you don't search first.)
Asjustable wastegate of some sort (what's the best way to turn up the boost?)

Either cut yours and thread it or order a HD adjustable one, your choice

That's my starting list. Any recommendations of things I missed, or things that might not be a good idea?

Hotwired Walbro 340 and adjustable Fuel Pressure Regulator

Thanks,
Joe

 

[MaineShark]

Okay, I went to check on some exhaust stuff, and the stock picture doesn't look at all like what I have, so I called the previous owner and he said it already has the Hooker Super Comp exhaust, so that's one less thing to buy

I need to pick up a new muffler to replace the rusted one, but that's not exactly expensive...

Joe

 

[MSDGN]

You're on the right track but forget the blow-off valve...waste of money and not needed...

 

[Pronto]

Well if it has a Hooker cat back then it would have 2 mufflers and if one is rusted out it's a good bet the other is on it's way too. Might do well to replace both. Welcome neighbor. Hope to see you next year at NED.

 

[MaineShark]

Why no BOV? The noise from the compressor when I let off the throttle after accellerating is a little disconcerting...

Pronto: I plan to be there. I'm not going to race competitively, but I'd like to attend a few street nights and help educate some people about Buick power

Joe